hypertension

The US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES1 , is a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better identify the most pressing and common health issues affecting Americans. Between 2017 and 2023, the survey found that more than 70% of adults aged 65 or older suffered from chronic hypertension, or high blood pressure.

High blood pressure impacts millions of Americans, but older adults are far more likely to experience the negative health repercussions. Understanding the signs of high blood pressure – and knowing how to respond to them – can save countless lives. What is chronic hypertension? Is it the same as uncontrolled hypertension? Who is prone to it and what are the signs and symptoms? CopilotIQ has the answers to these questions and more.

What Is Chronic Hypertension?

Before diving into the signs of hypertension in older adults, it’s first important to understand what chronic hypertension is. Chronic hypertension is a term used to describe ongoing high blood pressure in anyone of any age. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against artery walls as it circulates through the bloodstream, and it can be affected by overall heart health, diet, age, and countless other factors.

When measuring blood pressure, the measurement is expressed as a number of millimeters of mercury. The top number represents systolic pressure, which is the pressure inside the arteries when the heart contracts to force blood through the circulatory system. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, or the pressure that exists inside the arteries when the heart relaxes and blood fills the heart prior to the next pump.

The ideal blood pressure measurement is 120/80. Excitement, nervousness, pregnancy, certain medications, and other factors can cause temporary increases in blood pressure. Hypertension is said to be chronic when it persists and directly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Four Stages of Hypertension

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Hypertension typically presents in four unique stages. These are prehypertension and Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 hypertension.

What Is Prehypertension?

Prehypertension can be defined as elevated blood pressure. In this stage, systolic readings range from 120 to 129 and diastolic readings are less than 80. Prehypertension serves as an important warning sign that an individual is likely to develop chronic hypertension in the future. In this stage, physicians often ask their patients to adjust their diets, get more exercise, and check their blood pressure frequently.

Stage 1

Stage 1 hypertension occurs when systolic readings are between 130 and 139 and diastolic readings are between 80 and 89. This is the first stage of full-blown hypertension, but many people who experience this stage remain undiagnosed. Those who do get a diagnosis can often reverse or control their hypertension by reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, reducing their sodium intake, and ensuring they are getting the right type and amount of exercise.

sodium - salt

Stage 2

Stage 2 hypertension is defined by systolic blood pressure measurement higher than 140 and a diastolic measurement higher than 90. This stage is far more serious, and physicians generally prescribe medications along with lifestyle changes to reverse the impacts. Without treatment, Stage 2 hypertension can easily cause liver and kidney disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Stage 3

Stage 3 hypertension is referred to as a hypertensive crisis in the medical world, and it involves a systolic reading higher than 180 and a diastolic measurement of 120 or more. People who have untreated Stage 3 hypertension have an average lifespan of about 10 months. This stage of hypertension is more common in older adults.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension is known far and wide as the “silent killer” because it often has no notable signs or symptoms. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, only about 42% of adults who have hypertension receive a diagnosis and treatment due to the lack of symptoms.

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Very high blood pressures – those within the crisis range – can cause some symptoms. These include the following:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Nosebleed
  • Chest pain
  • Severe headache
  • Buzzing sensation in the ears
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Visual problems, such as blurriness or dark spots

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek immediate medical care. This is a life-threatening situation that requires emergency medical intervention.

Hypertension Risk Factors

The risk factors for hypertension in older adults varies significantly. Some of the risk factors that can be avoided include a poor diet that includes a great deal of saturated and trans fat or salt, a sedentary lifestyle, tobacco and alcohol use, and obesity. Some people may be genetically predisposed to hypertension, and high blood pressure has a tendency to co-exist with other conditions like kidney disease or diabetes. Finally, older adults are far more likely to develop hypertension than their younger counterparts.

Risk Factors for Older, Active Adults

Age and diet are the biggest risk factors for hypertension in older adults. A diet high in saturated or trans fats can lead to a buildup of plaque along arterial walls, which narrows the blood vessels and leads to increased blood pressure. A diet high in sodium can also contribute to high blood pressure.

Risk Factors for Semi-Active or Sedentary Seniors

Sedentary seniors share the same risk factors as their active counterparts, but their lack of exercise adds even more risk to the mix. Regular aerobic exercise keeps the heart muscle in top condition, which allows it to pump blood through the arteries more efficiently. When the heart is weak due to lack of conditioning (exercise), it must work harder to move the same volume of blood through the bloodstream, and this results in higher blood pressure.

Use Advanced Monitoring Technology for Hypertension Management

The World Health Organization reports that an estimated 1.3 billion people on Earth are currently living with high blood pressure, and that number includes about half of American adults. Because hypertension often occurs with little to no warning, it is vital to measure your blood pressure regularly and seek medical care if your pressures are higher than 120/80 regularly.

If you or someone you love is a senior struggling with high blood pressure, CopilotIQ can help. Our advanced monitoring technology uses state-of-the-art instrumentation to take frequent blood pressure readings. Based on more consistent readings, we’re able to implement and use healthcare best practices to help you reach your blood pressure goals. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you manage chronic hypertension and live a healthier, longer life.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023 October 31). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. NHANES – National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Homepage (cdc.gov)

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